Decentralised social media: new build or tweak existing platforms?

The push for decentralised social media has taken two distinct approaches. On one hand, native decentralised platforms such as Mastodon, Bluesky and Steemit have emerged, built entirely on Web3 structures to offer alternatives to mainstream social media. On the other hand, established platforms have attempted to integrate Web3 elements into their existing frameworks. Twitter (now X) introduced Bitcoin tipping and NFT profile pictures, Meta briefly supported NFTs and attempted to launch the Diem (formerly Libra) a digital currency, Reddit introduced Ethereum-based Community Points and NFT avatars, Telegram developed the TON blockchain and Discord considered Ethereum wallet integration.

Source: Google

Yet, despite these efforts, many of these initiatives either failed or faced strong resistance. Meta and Telegram struggled with regulatory pressures whilst Reddit and Discord encountered user backlash. Nevertheless, the broader shift toward decentralisation continues to gain momentum. Reddi…